This 182-unit resort has an intimate, low-key vibe, and the views of the legendary Bali Hai peaks are just as breathtaking. The rooms have large lanais, kitchenettes, island-style fabrics, and rattan furniture, reflecting the casual, come-as-you-are attitude. An ongoing renovation project has been completed in some rooms: Ask for one of those for new—but still tropical—furnishings and a bathroom with granite countertops. There are two pools surrounded by lush landscape, including a couple of man-made waterfalls. The open-air Happy Talk Lounge books live music; when notable musicians are on the island, they'll often stop by and perform a set or two.

This collection of 48 condos in Haena (a 15-minute drive west of Hanalei) has one major draw: views so idyllic that they almost look Photoshopped. From second-floor corner ocean-view units, you get a 180-degree eyeful of waves crashing on golden sand with the Bali Hai mountains as a backdrop. On a clear night, the stargazing is otherworldly as well. The two-bedroom, two-bath condos are otherwise average, with interiors done up in tasteful island decor and wicker furniture, but they work well for four people, either two couples, single friends, or a family. Each has a full kitchen, although there's also the Mediterranean Gourmet restaurant and a café that serves aromatic coffee and baked goods to a parade of surfers and locals. The decent spa takes advantage of the stunning views with massage tables under an oceanfront Polynesian-style pavilion. Take note that in the winter the surf is quite big; the water is better for swimming in the summer.

These 12 quaint cabins—with wood-burning stoves, kitchens, and indoor plumbing—are a perfect, and cheap, option for those seeking a more rustic experience (there are no phones or televisions), even for a night or two during the course of a week's vacation. Reserve two to three months in advance, as this spot 4,000 feet above sea level between the rim of Waimea Canyon (often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the Kalalau Valley is popular with those who want to explore over 45 miles of trails in Kokee State Park. Breakfast and lunch are available nearby at the Lodge at Kokee (3600 Kokee Rd.; 808-335-6061).

You can't control which direction the trade winds blow, but you can specify almost every other aspect of your Hawaiian vacation when you're working with this outfit. Pure Kauai dials you into the island by prescreening rental homes; these range from a one-bedroom condo for $350 per night to a house with a freestanding master bedroom and two cottages on five acres of land with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, gym, media room, full kitchen, and an office, priced at $8,000 per night (all properties have ocean views). Pure Kauai also vets potential members of your private staff—chefs, massage therapists, mountain biking tour guides, fishing- or dive-boat captains, surf instructors, yoga or hula masters, and even a life coach (or would that be a vacation coach?). If ordering up your holiday à la carte is too overwhelming, tweak the company's fitness, family-friendly, or romantic packages to suit your wants and needs. Once you're there, the Pure Kauai organizers act as your personal concierge: If there's a problem, they'll take care of it, and they can make changes to your itinerary, in case you'd rather sleep in than take that four-hour waterfall hike. And if there's something you fancy that's not on their list of services (a stripper pole, perhaps?), Pure Kauai will do its best to make it happen. Perhaps that's why celebrities like Jennifer Garner prefer it to a generic week at even the best resorts in the state.